Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Very interested in communicating ideas with everyone as I go through the startup process. We have a quarter acre pond full of goldfish that I think will be a fun challenge. Getting first water test kit and bubblers to get water balanced before introducing vegetation. Extruded polystyrene will be used to hold my plants when ready.

Welcome to the forum KH

Thank you! Finished first water test with API freshwater master test kit today. Also, I ordered Pro Boss aerator and found XPS at Lowes 4'x8' panels so I can start my rafts. Hoping to get plants in by Memorial Day.

The growing of swiss chard for pilot program of aquaponics is going well. We had to clean the PondBoss aerator everyday because we have a man made pond with no liner and lots of silt. My quick fix to reduce amount of times needed to clean aerator was to place it under water in an open black plastic covered crate. After one week is completed with signs of success, I will introduce more plants with more rafts.

Welcome to this forum. Sounds like a fine project. Can't wait for pictures and specifics. How did you decide on the type of fish for example? How deep is the pond. What is the water source? How much water flow if any and did that influence the fish selection?
Brian

Hi Brian, thanks. I chose goldfish because of our climate in western new york and they survive year round in the 8' deep pond. We are located half way up a large hill and are fortunate to have a natural feed of rain water. It has been record breaking rainfall this year. A concrete platform is used to release pond water slowly into a natural creek on the property that is a lower level than the pond. The pond has lots of mature trees within 50' on each side so it gets 6 hours of full sun. I used 1/2inch to 3/4inch stones from creek for growing media and 2 inch yogurt cups with 1/2" drilled holes for net pots. The only expense so far is aerator, polystyrene, seeds, 6-pack of swiss chard and time. I have lettuce and spinach seeds started in dirt to transfer to net pots when ready.